Howard Earl Barton

1937 - 2019

Howard Earl Barton
PEORIA - Howard Earl Barton, formerly of Peoria, passed away at the age of 81 on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at Mayo Clinic, under the care of Northeast Florida Community Hospice and Palliative Care in Jacksonville.
He was born in Alton, Mo., on November 13, 1937, to Albert and Jessie Barton, who preceded him in death.
Earl graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., with a degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he served 2 years in the U.S. Army. Following his army discharge, he started his career with Caterpillar, Inc. in Peoria, Ill., where he met his future wife, Judy Pokorski.
Earl had many things he liked, gardening and reading, but his love of golf was his greatest hobby. He never played a golf course he didn't like, especially in Ireland and Scotland.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dean of Denton, TX; and brother, Glen, of Peoria, Ill.
He is survived by his wife of 54 1/2 years, Judy; son, Craig (Bethany); daughter, Linda Stefani (Dan); grandsons, Christopher, Dylan and Sam; granddaughter Isabel; sister, Jo Anne Barton; and many nieces and nephews. All will forever love and miss his kindness and love of family. Also missing Earl is the family dog, Teddy (or Mr. T as Earl called him).
Private family services will be held at a later date at Jacksonville National Cemetery.
Thank you to all of the physicians at Mayo Clinic, especially Dr. Mark Parkulo, for their excellent care of Earl through all of his recent illnesses. Thanks also to his caregivers during these past months, especially Eka and Jasmine. You gals were great!
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.